Save the Whales – Ecotourism Style!
Ecotourism is certainly not a new concept to the world. In case you’re not familiar with it, it’s simply an initiative taken by hotels, travel resorts, and other tourism related services that benefits local groups by using environmentally friendly measures, and helping build their community and economy while still allowing businesses to profit. As global awareness of environmental dangers and threats has increased over the past several years, ecotourism has been tremendously successful. However, here’s something I found that’s a bit unique.
Particularly in the chilly country of Iceland, ecotourism had been taking a unique turn for the better. Although everyone tends to joke about the classic cause of saving the whales, Iceland has turned the once intangible task of whale watching into a visually stunning phenomenon that tourists can view. Success has followed, resulting in $8.5 million in revenue, after 12 whale watching companies have been established.
Saddening, however, is a new development in Iceland. The government has implemented a new scientific research program in which already 38 minke whales were captured. Even worse, the government plans to permit full-scale commercial whaling, which could seriously cripple the already fragile population of whales.
The Greenpeace International Group has called activists to action, urging them to take part
in the pledge challenge, supporting them in their fight to disallow commercial whaling. Check out their website here, if you’re passionate!
Hopefully, their fight will not be in vain, and international travelers everywhere will be able to enjoy an amazing experience of whale-watching while supporting the growing ecotourism movement in the future.
December 8, 2006 No Comments
Battle of the Year- The International Breakdance Competition
Every single year since 1990, the annual tradition of Battle of the Year has taken place. More familiarly called BOTY by breakdance and hip-hop enthusiasts, the competition is best explained as the “Olympics” of breakdancing.
Maintaining its international focus, each country that wishes to participate sends one crew to the competition. Certain countries that are known to be home to the best dancers in the world, such as Germany, France, and South Korea, have their own preliminaries in which battles are intense as well. In addition, the reigning champion crew from the prior year is invited back to the competition. The fifteen best crews are selected and invited (along with the past champion) to perform 8-10 minute intense, breakdancing shows.
The judges select the 4 best crews. These groups fight for 3rd/4th and 1st/2nd, in a traditional “battle” setting, similar to the street-style dance-offs that have characterized the dance since its conception.
BOTY attracts tens of thousands of breakdancers and tourists alike each year. Held in Germany every year, it provides a unique opportunity for anyone. A dance that is truly explosive, creative, and innovative as this is always worth watching!
BOTY 2006 just took place several weeks ago. In a spectacular showdown, France’s Vagabonds crew took back its crown from the various Korean crews, such as Gambler, Last for One, and Expression, who have dominated the competition since their first win in 2001.
If you’re interested in attending next year, check out the BOTY homepage! It usually takes place in late summer to mid-autumn. Don’t miss out on this great experience- you’ll surely have a lot more to talk about than art galleries and other potential tourist traps!
December 5, 2006 No Comments
Asian Airports – Best in the World
After surfing the web, I noticed that many travelers are turning to Asia upon late. This isn’t surprising, since the new emerging markets throughout China, Korea, and Singapore, just to mention a few, are booming. Along with their impressive economic growth, many tourist opportunities have opened up, and a lot of people are recognizing it, thinking of their exotic, Eastern appeal.
Something I found more interesting while searching, however, was the prominence of Asian airports. Nearly all of the airport rating groups, editorials, and related articles laude these cities as the best for travelers, both vacationers and businesspeople alike. They’re ranked in this order:
1. Hong Kong International – China
2. Singapore Changji International – Singapore
3. Incheon International – Korea
4. Kansai International – Japan
5. Kuala Lumpur International – Malaysia
All of these locations are praised for their modern, comfortable, plush, and accommodating features. Most have many activities for travelers to entertain themselves as they wait for their flights. Beyond large shopping complexes and luxurious restaurants and bars, some have pools, beauty salons, and attached five-star hotels.
Some of the other best airports include those at Copenhagen, Sydney, and Munich. These are also excellent and worth checking out!
December 1, 2006 No Comments
7 Best Locations to Ski All Over the World
This winter season is quickly approaching, and vacation plans are hard to decide. As skiing comes to the minds of many chilly vacationers, consider looking all over the world, rather than staying with your local slopes. Here are 7 of the best slopes that the world has to offer skiiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. And it doesn’t hurt to explore the city a bit as well, after a long day of activity.
Aspen, Colorado, United States
Everyone’s heard of Aspen! Featured in many films and television shows, Aspen, Colorado also draws many celebrities. Although you might go for the location’s great ski offerings, you might find yourself meeting someone famous! Be wary though – Aspen gets a bit expensive.
Vail, Colorado, United States 
Vail is neighbor to the previously mentioned Aspen. However, it’s still nothing to laugh at – critics regard this legendary locale as one of the world’s top five resorts, and the best (and the largest) the United States has to offer. Let’s not forget all the other things Vail has to offer, like art galleries, ballooning, and much, much more.
Cortina, Italy
One of the world’s first ski resorts and a past host to the Olympic Games, Cortina boasts some very impressive slopes, and is Italy’s most stylish resort.
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
Tremblant was the first resort to open in Canada and the second in North America. Only an hour away from Montreal, Mont-Tremblant promises all kinds of activites other than skiing or snowboarding.
Stowe, Vermont, United States
Stowe is a beautiful location with classic New England charm. It’s linked to neighboring ski resorts so visitors have a larger variety. The resort also offers over 90 shops and 60 restaurants to ensure that visitors are comfortable and don’t need to travel too far away.
Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France
Chamoinix is the highest peak in the Alps, some of the most impressive mountains in the world. It hosted the first ever Winter Olympic Games, and remains in high regards to residents and tourists alike. It boasts one of the longest runs (Vallée Blanche), at 13.7 miles (22 km).
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is acclaimed as one of the most peaceful, picturesque mountains in the world. This is largely due to their mandated car-free environment. It has one of the largest lifts in the world, and is a great getaway for any city-dwellers.
November 28, 2006 1 Comment
Tips for Spring Break Vacationers
For thousands of college and university students across the US, the grueling cycle of classes and exams leave victims broken and exhausted. After so much work and effort, the week-long vacation of Spring Break is easily the most awaited event of the school year.
However, with all the things students do, a vacation is hard to organize. Because it’s easy to forget important things, here are some pointers. They’ll make your experience a truly relaxing one!
- Look for packages EARLY – As you look through the internet, you’ll notice that right now around December, many deals are for sale already. Many of these prices aren’t offered as Spring Break approaches. Don’t underestimate the value of preparation – not only do you have peace of mind, but purchasing a package early often leaves you with more money in your pocket.
- Study the place – Look into the wide selection of Spring Break destinations that are available to you. Pictures of white sand and clear water might all seem the same to you. This isn’t always the case – the friendliness of the Bahamian locals might not be as easily found in Cancun. Look into the customs and the culture of all the places before making the final decision to spend a whole week there.
- Go with friends – Too often there are horror stories about partying gone sour. To avoid bad situations, plan the trip with a close group of friends that you can trust. Not only will you make sure they’re okay, but they’ll go out of their way to make sure you don’t do anything stupid either. And of course, it’s always more fun when you’re with good company!
- HAVE FUN! – Don’t get too caught up in all of this planning madness! This is only for your safety and your wallet. Don’t lose focus being anal about each detail of the trip – a vacation should leave some room to explore, relax, and enjoy. That’s why you’re going there in the first place anyway, right?
November 17, 2006 No Comments
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